A win to Reserve Grade (66 to 6) will ensure that they will finish first or second and the undefeated Ladies League Tag team will also claim their minor premiership with a strong 26 to 6 win over the second placed Muswellbrook. 

Under 18s could not maintain their strong start to the game and went down 19 to 12.

First grade had an impressive first half leading 20 nil at the break following tries to Tim Smith, Brendon Ellis, Daniel Ritter and Wes Suckley and two conversions to Haydon Topliss. 

It was clear however that Muswellbrook were not going to be steam rolled soon after the restart when they crossed the line twice within the first five minutes.  

With the score at 20 to 10, Josh  Adams added a try to give some     further breathing space, however any relief was short lived with two converted tries to the opposition. 

A 10 minute rest for a Scone player provided further incentive and a try during the time they were a player short, gave Muswellbrook the lead 26 to 24 with 10 minutes to go. 

Scone were able to capitalise when a Muswellbrook player was sent to the bin and to the relief of their supporters, crossed twice in the last five minutes with tries to Ethan Haggarty and Tim Smith. 

Topliss contributed  another two conversions. 

A relieved Coach Daniel Ritter (who had played the day before for Country Bulls in Darwin) said that was a little too close for comfort. 

“We got off to a strong start but then lost our way with too many mistakes, allowing Muswellbrook right back into the game. 

“Happy with the win, but plenty to work on,” he said. 

Scone 36: Tries to T Smith (2), B Ellis, D Ritter, W Suckley, J Adams, E Haggarty; Conversion: H Topliss (4) defeated Muswellbrook 26. 

Reserve Grade had a resounding 66 to 6 win. 

Six tries in the first half and the same in the second pretty much reflected the consistency of the team in both halves with 11 players crossing for four pointers and Ethan Haggarty getting a double. 

Haggarty maintained his very good form scoring the first of the day from a bomb he took at the 20 metre mark and avoiding the defence for an 80 metre effort. 

Muswellbrook managed one try in the second half, however there was no comeback possible at that stage of the game. 

The forwards and backs all played very well, particularly with Coach Brennan being unable to attend the game. 

Scone 66: Tries: E Haggarty (2), J White, J Austin, A Watts, J Thompson, C Mill, K Wilcher, G Nash, J Collison, D Brown, J Golledge; Conversions: J Watts (9) defeated Muswellbrook 6. 

The Ladies League Tag took on the second placed Muswellbrook and the girls were ready for the challenge. 

They didn’t get off to the strongest start however and it was only some desperate defence, particularly by player’s player Hayley Eveleigh that kept their line intact. 

Charmaine Bloomfield managed to get into some clear space however and, somewhat against the run of play, managed to cross in the corner for a welcome try. 

Muswellbrook showed that they cannot be underestimated and really had the girls working hard in defence. 

Abbey van Balen was next to cross which was fine reward for her defensive efforts throughout the game, and then Sofie Casson              managed a long distance try to bring the score to 16 nil at half time. 

Muswellbrook continued to threaten but couldn’t break the line. 

Two more tries to Sally Gordon and Jess Day left the result in no doubt, however Muswellbrook managed a last minute four pointer and conversion.  

Coach Casson was pleased with the effort, saying they thought Muswellbrook would be their hardest competition and they proved that on the day. 

“They could have had a couple of early tries at least, but last ditch defence on several occasions from Hayley Eveleigh kept them out.” 

Scone 26: Tries: C Bloomfield, A van Balen, S Casson, S Gordon, J Day; Conversions: M Adams (3) to Muswellbrook 6.

This Sunday, Scone Park is the venue taking on Greta-Branxton in all grades. League Tag get the day started at 10.15am with First Grade running on at 2pm.